Michelangelo's original light restored at San Lorenzo's New Sacristy in Florence
The New Sacristy of San Lorenzo in Florence, an iconic Renaissance work by Michelangelo Buonarroti, has restored its authentic lighting for the first time in over 300 years. Originally commissioned in 1519 by Cardinal Giulio de' Medici for Pope Leo X, Michelangelo's natural lighting design was modified due to the Chapel of the Princes' construction. A restoration initiative by the Bargello Museums and Lottomatica, spearheaded by art historian Antonio Forcellino and lighting expert Mario Nanni, has introduced new lighting to reflect Michelangelo's initial vision. The project also involved the cleaning of the Madonna and Child with Saints Cosmas and Damian. Paola D'Agostino and Fabio Cairoli highlighted the project's cultural importance and technological advancements.
Key facts
- The New Sacristy of San Lorenzo in Florence has regained its original lighting conditions after over three centuries.
- Michelangelo designed the chapel in 1519 under commission from Cardinal Giulio de' Medici for Pope Leo X.
- The chapel was built for Medici princes Giuliano and Lorenzo.
- Original natural lighting was altered by the construction of the Chapel of the Princes between the 17th and 18th centuries.
- The restoration project was promoted by the Bargello Museums in partnership with Lottomatica.
- The project was executed by Antonio Forcellino and Mario Nanni, with Monica Bietti and Maria Cristina Valenti.
- Mario Nanni measured light intensity and coloration on June 21, 2018.
- The restoration also included cleaning of the Madonna and Child with Saints Cosmas and Damian.
Entities
Artists
- Michelangelo Buonarroti
- Antonio Forcellino
- Mario Nanni
- Monica Bietti
- Maria Cristina Valenti
Institutions
- Bargello Museums
- Lottomatica
- Museo delle Cappelle Medicee
- San Lorenzo
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- San Lorenzo
- New Sacristy
- Sagrestia Nuova
- Cappella dei Principi